• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제39권1호
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• pp.1-9
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• 2012

The safety of human exposure to an ever-increasing number and diversity of electromagnetic field (EMF) sources both at work and at home has become a public health issue. To date, many in vivo and in vitro studies have revealed that EMF exposure can alter cellular homeostasis, endocrine function, reproductive function, and fetal development in animal systems. Reproductive parameters reported to be altered by EMF exposure include male germ cell death, the estrous cycle, reproductive endocrine hormones, reproductive organ weights, sperm motility, early embryonic development, and pregnancy success. At the cellular level, an increase in free radicals and $[Ca^{2+}]i$ may mediate the effect of EMFs and lead to cell growth inhibition, protein misfolding, and DNA breaks. The effect of EMF exposure on reproductive function differs according to frequency and wave, strength (energy), and duration of exposure. In the present review, the effects of EMFs on reproductive function are summarized according to the types of EMF, wave type, strength, and duration of exposure at cellular and organism levels.

• 환경생물
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• 제29권4호
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• pp.241-250
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• 2011

현대인들은 가정생활과 직업환경 속에서 다양한 종류의 전자기파에 노출되며 전자기파 노출에 따른 생체위해성은 공중보건학적으로 중요한 이슈로 대두되었다. 현재까지 많은 체외 및 체내실험 결과에서 전자기파 노출이 세포대사, 내분비, 면역, 신경, 생식, 태아발달에 영향을 미치는 것으로 보고되었다. 세포나 개체 수준에서 시행된 실험연구에서는 전자기파 노출에 의해 세포내부 자유기의 증가, DNA 손상과 암발생, 발생기형, 생식기능 저하가 나타난다. 역학조사결과 전자기파 노출은 생명을 위협하는 질병인 백혈병, 뇌암, 근위축성 측삭경화증, 우울증, 자살, 알츠하이머와 상관성이 보고되었다. 이러한 생체기능 변화는 전자기파의 주파수, 노출기간, 강도 (에너지)에 따라 다르게 나타난다. 전자기파 노출은 곤충, 어류, 양서류, 파충류, 조류 등 야생동물에서도 동물행동, 번식, 생리기능의 변화를 초래한다. 본 소고에서는 인간보건학적 측면과 생태계에서 나타난 전자기파의 위해성을 전자기파의 종류, 노출시간에 따라 세포 및 개체 수준에서 보고된 위해성 자료를 정리하였다.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.179-188
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• 2017

With the explosive increase in exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by mobile phones, public concerns have grown over the last few decades with regard to the potential effects of EMF exposure on the nervous system in the brain. Many researchers have suggested that RF-EMFs can effect diverse neuronal alterations in the brain, thereby affecting neuronal functions as well as behavior. Previously, we showed that long-term exposure to 835 MHz RF-EMF induces autophagy in the mice brain. In this study, we explore whether shortterm exposure to RF-EMF leads to the autophagy pathway in the cerebral cortex and brainstem at 835 MHz with a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 4.0 W/kg for 4 weeks. Increased levels of autophagy genes and proteins such as LC3B-II and Beclin1 were demonstrated and the accumulation of autophagosomes and autolysosomes was observed in cortical neurons whereas apoptosis pathways were up-regulated in the brainstem but not in the cortex following 4 weeks of RF exposure. Taken together, the present study indicates that monthly exposure to RF-EMF induces autophagy in the cerebral cortex and suggests that autophagic degradation in cortical neurons against a stress of 835 MHz RF during 4 weeks could correspond to adaptation to the RF stress environment. However, activation of apoptosis rather than autophagy in the brainstem is suggesting the differential responses to the RF-EMF stresses in the brain system.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제27권3호
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• pp.265-275
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• 2019

Technological advances of mankind, through the development of electrical and communication technologies, have resulted in the exposure to artificial electromagnetic fields (EMF). Technological growth is expected to continue; as such, the amount of EMF exposure will continue to increase steadily. In particular, the use-time of smart phones, that have become a necessity for modern people, is steadily increasing. Social concerns and interest in the impact on the cranial nervous system are increased when considering the area where the mobile phone is used. However, before discussing possible effects of radiofrequency-electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) on the human body, several factors must be investigated about the influence of EMFs at the level of research using in vitro or animal models. Scientific studies on the mechanism of biological effects are also required. It has been found that RF-EMF can induce changes in central nervous system nerve cells, including neuronal cell apoptosis, changes in the function of the nerve myelin and ion channels; furthermore, RF-EMF act as a stress source in living creatures. The possible biological effects of RF-EMF exposure have not yet been proven, and there are insufficient data on biological hazards to provide a clear answer to possible health risks. Therefore, it is necessary to study the biological response to RF-EMF in consideration of the comprehensive exposure with regard to the use of various devices by individuals. In this review, we summarize the possible biological effects of RF-EMF exposure.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제15권5호
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• pp.313-317
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• 2011

The effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) on intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ mobilization and cellular function in RBL 2H3 cells were investigated. Exposure to EMF (60 Hz, 0.1 or 1 mT) for 4 or 16 h did not produce any cytotoxic effects in RBL 2H3 cells. Melittin, ionomycin and thapsigargin each dose-dependently increased the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration. The increase of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ induced by these three agents was not affected by exposure to EMF (60 Hz, 1 mT) for 4 or 16 h in RBL 2H3 cells. To investigate the effect of EMF on exocytosis, we measured beta-hexosaminidase release in RBL 2H3 cells. Basal release of beta-hexosaminidase was $12.3{\pm}2.3%$ in RBL 2H3 cells. Exposure to EMF (60 Hz, 0.1 or 1 mT) for 4 or 16 h did not affect the basal or $1{\mu}m$ melittin-induced beta-hexosaminidase release in RBL 2H3 cells. This study suggests that exposure to EMF (60 Hz, 0.1 or 1 mT), which is the limit of occupational exposure, has no influence on intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ mobilization and cellular function in RBL 2H3 cells.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.146-154
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• 1998

This study was designed to investigate the workers' exposure level to electromagnetic field(EMF) in accordance with the VDT arrangement in the work place and distance from VDT. Author compared the exposure strength of EMF in line group(workers exposed to EMF from both front and back side) and in shielding group(workers exposed to EMF exclusively from front side). The levels of EMF at 30cm and 50cm from front side and at 30cm from back side of VDT were also measured. The result were as follows: 1. Mean distance between a monitor and a worker in shielding group ($47.7{\pm}8.7cm$) significantly longer than that in line group($44.3{\pm}7.2cm$). Strength of EMF in shielding group [$1.3{\pm}0.7V/m$ (electric field) and $18.2{\pm}11.5mA/m$ (magnetic field) were lower than in line group [$1.4{\pm}0.6V/m$ and $26.6{\pm}11.6mA/m$, respectively] at the workers' position. 2. The strength of EMF was decreased with the distance from VDT. The strength at 70cm from VDT was nearly the same as the background strength in the ordinary office rooms. 3. Working distance from 9 inch monitor was significantly shorter than that from 14 inch and wider sized monitors. 4. The strength of EMF in extremely low frequency spectrum of color monitors was higher then that of black and white monitor. 5. Metal coated filters significantly decreased the electric field strength of EMF when earth line was connected. Metallic shield was effectively decreased the EMF strength from VDT, but wooden shield was not. From the above results, line type arrangement of VDT in the work place using metallic shield at the back side of VDT, and metal coated filter to monitor with application of earth line were recommended. It is also recommended to maintain workers position to be 60cm or more distance from monitor and 140cm or more between VDTs for minimizing workers' exposure to EMF.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.55-61
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• 1997

This study was executed for the purpose of investigation of the EMFs exposures of personal and electronic environment. This study examines ELF-EMFs of electric appliances, subways and occupational and non-occupational human exposures, using EMDEX II (for 40 - 800Hz, Enertech Consultant, Inc.), from October 1995 to March 1996. Among the electric appliances examined, a massage unit showed the highest mean value of 247.07 $\mu$T, followed by an electric blanket of 5.24 $\mu$T. Indoor levels of EMF in subways exceerlcd 0.2 $\mu$T of the Swedish Guideline. The mean personal exposure levels of occupational group were 0.18 $\mu$T, while the personal EMF level of non-occupational group were 0.07 $\mu$T. Occupational group were exposed more highly while at work. However, the EMF levels during nonwork and sleep exposures between occuptional group and nonoccupational group were about the same. Estimates of time-intergrated exposure indicated that utility-specipic job classifications received about one-half or more of their total exposure on the job. Finally, this study would provide significant data for future research for exposure to magnetic fields, and more detailed study and research are necessary.

• 한국어병학회지
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.51-61
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• 2017

The effect of electromagnetic field on aquatic organisms has received little attention. In the current study, the effect of 50Hz electromagnetic field on muscle histopathology of Caspian Sea Cyprinus carpio, a species of economic importance, was investigated. A total of 120 healthy fish were used in this study. They were classified randomly in one of two groups as follows: Control or unexposed EMF group and experimental group with 5 different magnetic field intensities (0.1, 1, 3, 5 and 7mT) at 2 different exposure times including 30 and 60 minutes. Fish in the experimental group were exposed only once. Two weeks after exposure, dorsal muscles sectioned transversely, stained and were examined using a light microscope. Histopathologic assessments showed significant difference between control and EMF exposed groups at both 30 min. (p<0.01) and 60 min. (p<0.001) exposure times. We report for the first time that electromagnetic field in interaction with muscular tissue of Cyprinus carpio exhibits a dual effect which depends on the field intensity, and exposure time. At short exposure time (30 min.), EMF stimulates muscle growth process. At longer exposure time (60 min.), EMF can damage muscle tissue and result in muscle necrosis. More research is required to elucidate precise mechanisms involved in muscle hypertrophy and pathologic changes.

• 한국전자파학회논문지
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• 제28권11호
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• pp.843-852
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• 2017

최근 WHO IARC에서 무선주파수 전자파를 발암 유발 가능 물질(2B 등급)으로 분류함에 따라 전자파로부터의 과다노출로 인한 건강 영향에 대한 우려가 증가하고 있다. 특히 직업인의 경우는 일반인에 비해 전자파에 더 많이 노출될 수밖에 없는 환경에서 근무하게 된다. 이로 인해 유럽에서는 직업인에 대한 전자파 인체보호를 위한 지침을 마련하여 직업인에 대해 엄격히 관리하고 있다. 본 논문에서는 EU의 직업인 보호 관련 법령, 표준 및 지침을 분석하고, 또한 실제 아크용접에 대한 직업인 전자파 노출 평가를 수행하였다. 이를 토대로 직업인 보호를 위한 국내 제도 도입 방안을 제시하였다.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.220-227
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• 2005

Recently, the use of an electrical apparatus has brought up concerns of health risks from exposure to electromagnetic fields. EMF is composed of electric fields and magnetic fields. Heavy exposure to EMF can occur only in the vicinity of high-voltage overhead transmission lines, close to transformers and underground cables, and also close to large electrical machinery. In this thesis I have investigated the hypothesis of the correlation between occupational exposure to ELF-EMF and the risks of leukemia, anemia, cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate whether or not ELF-EMF emitted from electric power stations and transformer substations affect some hematological parameters and tumor markers of electric utility workers. The hematological test results and tumor markers under investigation were similar in the two groups but some of parameters such as RBC, AFP, LDH showed significant difference between the two groups from two sample t-test (p<0.05). The exposure group showed increased LDH level compared to the control group by two sample t-tests. In addition, the abnormal LDH level in the exposure group was observed to be clinically significant by ${\chi}^2$-test. However, the levels of RBC, AFP observed were not clinically significant by ${\chi}^2$-test (p>0.05). These results suggested that ELF-EMF does not affect most blood test parameters except LDH of electric utility workers.